Myasthenia Gravis Treatment with Ultomiris: Insights and Details
Ultomiris: A Remedy for Tired Muscles
Get the scoop on Ultomiris, the popular treatment for myasthenia gravis. From how it works to its side effects and dosage, we've got you covered.
Ultomiris is an injectable solution, given by a healthcare professional. It belongs to a group of drugs known as complement inhibitors and isn't available in a generic version. Learn more about this medication in our comprehensive article.
This medication carries a severe warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Read on to understand the specifics before receiving Ultomiris.
Myasthenia Gravis Demystified
Body weight
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic condition caused by faulty communication between muscles and nerves. Your immune system, mistakenly attacking your own cells, is to blame.
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Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
Maintenance dose
Myasthenia gravis symptoms vary but typically worsen during activity, improving with rest. They include:
- droopy eyelids
- weak muscles in limbs, neck, and eyes
- fatigue
- blurry or double vision
- difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, and breathing
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
Ultomiris: Who Needs It?
2,400 mg
Ultomiris is prescribed for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive.
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
"Generalized" refers to the widespread impact on muscle groups throughout the body, contrasting ocular myasthenia gravis, which affects only eye muscles. The "anti-AChR antibody" label means your immune system makes antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors.
A blood test may be ordered by your doctor to check if your gMG is AChR antibody positive. Your doctor can offer more information on whether Ultomiris is suitable for your myasthenia gravis type.
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
Understanding How Ultomiris Works
2,700 mg
Though the exact workings of Ultomiris in treating myasthenia gravis aren't fully understood, it's thought to involve its ability to block the activity of a complement system protein (C5) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). This assists signals from nerve cells in reaching muscles, reducing fatigue and muscle weakness, and potentially boosting muscle strength.
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
Evaluating Ultomiris's Effectiveness
In clinical trials, Ultomiris improved the ability to carry out daily activities for adults with gMG who were AChR antibody positive. For more details on these studies, see the Ultomiris prescribing information or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
Ultomiris Administration and Dosages
3,000 mg
Ultomiris comes in a strength of 300 mg/30 mL, 300 mg/3 mL, and 1,100 mg/11 mL. Dosages are based on body weight in kilograms (kg). They typically start with a loading dose followed by a maintenance dose every 8 weeks.
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
See our Ultomiris dosage article for more information. Consult your doctor with any questions about your dosage or administration details.
Ultomiris Side Effects
Side effects of Ultomiris can range from mild to severe. Some reported side effects include:
- diarrhea
- upper respiratory infections (e.g., common cold)
- abdominal pain
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- back pain
- dizziness
- infusion reactions (muscle spasms, discomfort in limbs)
Ultomiris
Further details on potential side effects can be found in our Ultomiris side effect article, the Ultomiris packaging, or by speaking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Vyvgart
It's crucial to report any side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enhance medication safety for all users. Visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088 to do so.
Pre-Ultomiris Considerations
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Before receiving Ultomiris, you should be aware of certain medical conditions or factors that may impact your eligibility, such as:
solution for IV infusion
- Active infections
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Alcohol consumption
- Allergic reactions to Ultomiris or its components
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Discuss any applicable factors with your doctor before starting Ultomiris treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dosage frequency
Here are answers to common questions about Ultomiris and myasthenia gravis:
once every 8 weeks
Q: How does Ultomiris compare to Vyvgart?
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
A: Both Ultomiris and Vyvgart are treatments for gMG in anti-AChR antibody-positive patients. They each have unique aspects, with Ultomiris being a solution given every 8 weeks and Vyvgart prescribed weekly for 4 weeks.
Q: Can I receive Ultomiris infusions at home?
Drug class
A: With home infusion services, a healthcare professional visits your home to administer the medication. Talk to your doctor to determine if this option is available and suitable for you.
complement inhibitor
Q: What is the cost of Ultomiris?
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
A: Various factors, including insurance, location, and your prescribed treatment, impact the cost. Learn more about the Alexion OneSource CoPay Program, offering support for Ultomiris expenses.
Disclaimer: This article aims to simplify medical information and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication. This text doesn't provide extensive details on all potential side effects, uses, precautions, or warnings.
- The immune system's role in myasthenia gravis is to mistakenly attack one's own cells, causing this chronic condition.
- Ultomiris, a medication for myasthenia gravis, belongs to the group of drugs called complement inhibitors and isn't available in a generic version.
- Other autoimmune disorders may require the attention of healthcare professionals and science due to their involvement in attacking the body's own cells.
- In addition to myasthenia gravis, chronic diseases and various medical-conditions often require the management and awareness of the health-and-wellness community.
- It's essential to understand the side effects, dosage, and contraindications when considering pharmacy treatments for chronic conditions such as other autoimmune disorders or myasthenia gravis.
